Bill
Bill > HB2252
VA HB2252
VA HB2252Decreasing probation period; criteria for mandatory reduction, effective clause, report.
summary
Introduced
01/07/2025
01/07/2025
In Committee
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
Crossed Over
02/22/2025
02/22/2025
Passed
03/07/2025
03/07/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/02/2025
04/02/2025
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Decreasing probation period; criteria for mandatory reduction. Establishes criteria for which a defendant's supervised probation period shall be reduced, including completing qualifying educational activities, maintaining verifiable employment, complying with or completing any state-certified or state-approved mental health or substance abuse treatment program, securing and maintaining qualifying health insurance or a qualifying health care plan, and obtaining housing and establishing residence. The bill provides that a court may decrease a defendant's probation period if warranted by the defendant's conduct and in the interests of justice and may do so without a hearing, unless the defendant poses an imminent threat to the health and safety of himself or others. The bill requires the Department of Corrections to meet with all relevant stakeholders and report to the General Assembly on (i) current practices for community supervision as it relates to monitoring engagement and attainment in education, employment, treatment, and other programs and making recommendations to the court for modification of time served on probation; (ii) how such practices compare to the processes and practices that would be established pursuant to the bill; and (iii) a plan for such implementation by November 1, 2025. Except for this provision requiring the Department of Corrections to meet with all relevant stakeholders and report to the General Assembly, the provisions of the bill do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2026 Session of the General Assembly. This bill is identical to SB 936.
AI Summary
This bill introduces a comprehensive framework for reducing a defendant's probation period by incentivizing positive behavioral and rehabilitative activities. The bill allows courts to decrease a probation period without a hearing if the defendant demonstrates progress in specific areas, including completing educational activities (such as obtaining a high school diploma or completing college credits), maintaining steady employment of at least 30 hours per week, participating in mental health or substance abuse treatment programs, securing health insurance, and obtaining stable housing. Defendants can earn up to 15 days of probation reduction per six-month period for each qualifying activity, with a maximum of 150 days of credit per calendar year. The probation officer will track and verify these activities through documentation like pay stubs, program progress reports, and insurance cards. The bill explicitly excludes certain individuals from these provisions, such as those sentenced to mandatory long-term probation, and emphasizes that credits cannot be earned during probation violations. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Corrections to convene a work group of stakeholders to review current community supervision practices and submit a report with recommendations by November 1, 2025. Notably, the bill's main provisions will not take effect unless reenacted by the 2026 Session of the General Assembly, providing a period for further review and potential refinement.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0657) (on 04/02/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...